Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, mentally, emotionally and physically.
And while there are many obvious physical changes, there are also some changes beneath the surface.
How pregnancy affects the heart
Pregnancy affects the cardiovascular system by increasing blood volume and heart rate, which increases the overall workload on the heart and blood vessels. Blood pressure can also change during pregnancy, and the stress of labor and delivery can further increase demands on the heart.
“Checking in with your doctor before pregnancy to evaluate your heart health is a good first step,” said David Ouyang, MD, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist at Endeavor Health. “Pregnancy places added demands on many systems in your body, so a pre-pregnancy checkup can be a helpful part of planning.”
If your heart is healthy, your doctor will continue to monitor your cardiovascular health throughout your pregnancy.
“Pregnancy can sometimes worsen pre-existing heart conditions or may result in new conditions that warrant further evaluation,” Dr. Ouyang said. “It’s important to report specific symptoms - such as chest pain and shortness of breath - to your doctor so they can determine whether additional assessment is needed.”
Pre-existing heart conditions and pregnancy
If you have a heart condition when you become pregnant, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy, successful pregnancy. Checking in with your cardiologist on your plan is a proactive way to prevent heart problems during pregnancy.
“Your cardiologist can analyze your heart history and make medication adjustments and suggest lifestyle changes to get the best pregnancy outcomes,” said Charu Gupta, MD, a cardiologist at Endeavor Health.
Complication factors to watch
Pregnancy can put stress on your heart, and having a heart condition during pregnancy can put you at increased risk of complications.
“About 10 to 20% of women will have a health issue during pregnancy, whether it’s high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, which can raise their risk for heart disease in the future,” Dr. Gupta said. “Women should make heart care a priority before, during and after pregnancy.”
Coordinated care through cardio-obstetrics
From pre-conception planning to postpartum monitoring, Endeavor Health’s Cardio-Obstetrics program supports women with pre-existing heart conditions as well as those who develop heart conditions during pregnancy. Cardiologists and maternal-fetal medicine work together in a dedicated clinic to ensure coordinated expert care.
Seeing your primary care doctor for annual physicals is one way to stay on top of your health. Keeping track of your blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI can help your doctor see patterns and address any potential issues early.
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